Storm's Effect on Practice Rule Shouldn't Affect FHS

The multiple effects of Tropical Storm Irene have placed the Connecticut Interscholastic Sports Association's preseason practice rule established for the athletes’ safety under scrutiny, particularly as it pertains to football.

The CIAC's required fall football regimen states that each team must first conduct five days of physical conditioning practice. No protective equipment other than helmets are used and no contact is permitted.

Teams that do not conduct spring football sessions were permitted to begin practice with pads and contact beginning on August 23. Those that do not hold practice in the spring were allowed to begin four days later.

The CIAC requires all sports participants to engage in 14 days of practice – practice with contact in football’s case – that should effectively have them physically ready for the games ahead.

In some cases, practice schedules have been disrupted by the flooding and power outages due to the storm and teams may not be able to get their 14 days in before the first games are slated to take place (Sept. 16 and 17).

The CIAC issued a statement Tuesday stressing the importance of the rule and expressing the organization's intent to adhere to it.

“The mandatory practice day requirement has been in existence for over 30 years and CIAC believes these days of practice are necessary to prepare teams for competition,” the statement said. “Consequently, the only adjustment that will be (made) to the regulation is to allow schools to count practices held on Sundays toward the required 14 days.”

Practicing on Sundays, it said, is up to the discretion of the local school system.

“Based on advice from medical people, kids have to be properly conditioned,” said Paul Hoey, the CIAC’s associate executive director. “We’re sensitive to [teams affected by the storm] but we won’t put kids in jeopardy. We believe the rule is right. The teams need adequate time and less than 14 days would compromise the health and safety of the kids.”

Hoey said the CIAC is not sure of the problem’s scope. In most sports, an early postponement would have little effect. Games can be readily re-scheduled. But football, where games are played just once a week, is on a tight schedule. There is no room for mass postponements without disrupting the postseason slate.

With most of Farmington’s practice facilities on high ground, the storm-related issues that wreaked havoc with many families in town have not impacted the football team in regard to the season opener Sept. 17 at E.O. Smith.

“It has impacted us in terms of quality practices we’ve been able to have,” said Jack Phelan, Farmington High School Athletic Director. "It’s going to show itself early in the season. The quality to start off with may not be with the level they're normally at. Over time, it won't take too long before student athletes settle in. They're pretty resilient and make adjustments."

He added that heat, humidity and sporadic showers were minor interruptions at the first practice on Saturday. Irene convened a day later.

“Sunday and Monday hurt everyone because that’s the second day we’re allowed to [practice with pads]," he said. 

Phelan hasn’t heard anything from E.O. Smith on the matter. No news is good news.

He said he’d hope the CIAC would be flexible in the event of a problem.

“Our sports programs will be on target if the weather stays its course,” he said. “We’ll have the days in, but with the exception of football, I think the CIAC could have a one-time rule cutting it from 14 days to 12. It’s not the way I would like it to happen but I think it would be okay.”

The CIAC has asked the schools to be flexible with opening day just two weeks away.

“School districts are encouraged to allow teams to continue to practice when it is safe to do so, even if school is not in session,” the statement read. “We continue to monitor the situation and assist member schools in their effort to meet the requirement.”